Tips and Traps of Open source Usage
Open source software is one of the best things to have happened in this small interconnected world. This opens up opportunities to leverage software coming from some of the best minds in the world. The more you explore the open source communities and repository, for any idea that is there in the mind, you will find that there is some piece of code that is already available in some form/shape, which can be picked up and start working on it. In a way, you do not need to toil to start work from the scratch, and focus more on what is needed beyond some basic building blocks.
This is highly suitable to get sample implementation of protocol stacks, RFCs, experimentation, PoC or some such activity, which needs some quick results to prove some concepts/theory. It opens up opportunities to innovate faster with minimal effort, but with more efficient and well tested code.
When it comes to usage of open source in corporate world, things have definitely changed a big way. Initially, there was so much reluctance and also, more stress was given on proprietary software, which was thought of as USP for specific product, but with more evolution of open source, better performance and scale of contribution tilted balance in favor of open source. This also forced companies to open up themselves to open source, but along with that, came many guidelines and rules and regulations when it comes to using the open source. Usage is more regulated and when it comes to contributing back to open source community, there are more rules of engagement to ensure company's IP is protected and licence infringement is avoided. One challenge that comes along with adoption of open source is to handle customization needs and challenges in handling the upgrades seamlessly. Another aspect that bothers is, the availability of quick support in case of any issues found with the open source. Some of these issues make Corporates still wary of dependence on open source.
